Insect Tamer's Ascension Chapter 469. I can guide you with aura

The return trip to the grand royal capital proceeded without any significant incident.

Within the confines of a shared carriage, Theo found himself in the company of Lucien, Cassian, Clara, and Elias, while the others occupied separate conveyances. The tranquil ambiance, coupled with the rhythmic sway of the carriage, lulled Theo into a deep slumber for the duration of the journey. Even as they entered the bustling royal capital, the carriage windows remained drawn, allowing everyone to continue their much-needed rest.

Upon the carriage's eventual halt, Theo emerged and performed a satisfying stretch. They had come to rest at the very same inn where their initial stay had taken place.

"Young Master Theo, we shall rendezvous later!"

Theo cast a backward glance towards the other carriages as they moved ahead, observing the assembled group. Lysara, leaning out from her window, offered Theo a cheerful wave, a gesture that did not escape Clara's notice as she observed Theo's reaction with keen interest. Theo, however, comprehending Clara's unspoken thoughts, simply proceeded into the inn. Throughout this exchange, Lucien remained silent, a quiet demeanor Theo chose not to disturb.

The moment their party entered, the innkeeper, who had been issuing directives to his staff at the reception, noticed their arrival. His expression shifted dramatically, and he approached them with an eager smile.

"Young Masters Lucien and Theo, it is indeed a pleasure to have you back from your expedition. Please, make yourselves comfortable in your rooms, and your repast shall be prepared forthwith," he stated, bowing repeatedly.

This time, before Theo could utter a word, Lucien responded first. "Thank you, Sir Renner."

Hob Renner, the proprietor of the inn, registered surprise at Lucien's polite address before his smile widened even further. As the group proceeded deeper into the inn, the others continued to cast inquisitive glances at Lucien, as if he had been replaced by an imposter from the moment they left the capital's gates. Lucien, fully aware of their scrutiny, offered no comment. It was only upon reaching their designated rooms that he finally addressed Theo directly.

"See that you dispatch a letter to Father. We shall ensure it is sent at the earliest opportunity," he instructed before retiring to his own quarters.

With Lucien's departure, Theo released a subtle sigh. He opened his door to find Clara and Elias awaiting him.

"Do come in, both of you," Theo invited, proceeding to relax on the bed.

Clara secured the door behind them as Theo stretched languidly. "It feels like an age since we could converse so freely," he remarked, stretching once more. "I am truly glad this group mission has concluded." Upon witnessing Theo's return to his usual cheerful self, Clara and Elias exchanged smiles and took seats nearby.

"You performed admirably as our leader, Young Master. We are quite proud of your efforts," Clara affirmed, and Elias offered a quiet sound of approval.

Theo let out a chuckle. "Still, I faltered with that Merek fellow. I ought not to have struck him in such a manner," he admitted, his gaze shifting to them.

"To be perfectly honest... it was immensely satisfying to witness you slap that individual," Elias stated plainly, prompting a disapproving shake of Clara's head.

Theo chuckled softly, but Clara interjected, "Nonetheless, that particular action might precipitate unforeseen difficulties for you, Young Master."

Theo acknowledged her concern with a nod. "We shall address whatever arises. However, for the present, I anticipate the emperor will summon us once word of the core beast blood reaches him. We ought to prepare ourselves swiftly," he declared before rising to head towards the bathing area.

He paused abruptly, causing both Clara and Elias to regard his retreating back with puzzled expressions.

"Just before I exited the city gates... I sensed a sudden surge of spatial energy manifest in the south, precisely where we had been..." Theo explained, a look of bewilderment on his face.

Clara and Elias listened intently, their minds beginning to Ponder this revelation.

"I am uncertain whether this observation warrants reporting to the emperor or if it should remain confidential," he added, before stepping into the bath, leaving them to their speculation.

One aspect was undeniably clear: Theo's attunement to spatial energy was remarkably acute. The sudden, inexplicable appearance of such energy was a profound mystery that demanded consideration and could not be dismissed lightly.

The remainder of the day unfolded with a semblance of normalcy. After a prolonged period, everyone indulged in a proper bath, savored a meal befitting royalty, and finally retired for the night.

Theo had anticipated an immediate summons from the emperor, but his prediction proved incorrect.

Instead, he penned a detailed letter to his father, recounting the majority of their recent experiences. This letter, alongside one from Lucien, was dispatched back to the barony while they remained in the capital.

Nevertheless, his intuition was not entirely unfounded, as the emperor convened an audience for them on the very next morning.

All parties made their preparations and set forth for the imperial castle. En route, Theo recognized a familiar figure.

"Sir Dren, we meet again!" Theo exclaimed upon sighting him in the corridor.

Dren, clad in his customary attire, turned, a subtle smile gracing his features.

"Indeed, Young Master Theo, we meet again," Dren replied, stepping forward to offer a slight bow, a gesture Theo casually waved away, seemingly disinclined towards such formalities.

Dren turned toward Lucien and offered a respectful bow, receiving a nod in acknowledgment.

"I've been meaning to ask you this: can you wield aura?" Theo inquired with a grin, his hand casually resting on his sword's pommel.

After a few moments of observation, Dren shook his head. "I am quite close to mastering aura, but I haven't quite reached that stage yet, Young Master."

Theo's eyebrows lifted in surprise; given the man's formidable presence, he had presumed he'd already achieved it.

"Well, if you require any guidance, do let me know. I shall be in the capital for some time," Theo added.

He subtly lifted the hilt of his sword, just enough to expose the lower section of the blade.

For a fleeting second, a radiant glow enveloped the blade before it instantly dissipated.

Dren's eyes widened slightly as Theo proceeded past him.

Once they were no longer in Dren's line of sight, Clara chided Theo, "Young Master, if you had sustained that aura any longer, the hilt would have been severed clean through. Please exercise greater caution."

"Yes, yes, I understand."

With Dren left in stunned silence and the emperor waiting further ahead, Theo's sole desire was for all proceedings to conclude swiftly so he could return to his ants and resume his ordinary life. However, fate had different intentions for him.